I was told recently, by someone I respect quite a lot— “You have a don’t-fuck-with-me vibe, but I still want to hug you for some reason.” This lead to a moment of retrospect. This is not the first time the empowered/empathic woman vibe I give off has been pointed out to me. How did I get to here? Let me share some of my truth.
I built this woman. The woman I am today, was created to be strong, impactful, empowering, confident and loving.
I have not always been this way. I spent 12 years in an abusive relationship. I allowed myself to be torn down, degraded, invalidated, terrorized and traumatized. A person meant to keep me safe, was the most dangerous person to me. The conditioning I experienced had me believing firmly that I was unloveable and deserved nothing more. My heart was shredded, and I thought irreparable.
Then I found Yoga.
Yoga awakened in me a deep love within myself, one savasana at a time. Yoga taught me that I am worthy of love. It strengthened my body, and my heart began to heal. I overcame my fear of the unknown, and doubts within myself. I ended the relationship. I stepped out into the unknown, with a yoga certificate, 2 little boys and 1 class per week on my schedule.
I began to rebuild my life. I worked hard and trained my body to do things I never thought possible. I created a way to support my children rooted solidly in a DREAM. I built a career from my yoga mat. Silently, behind the scenes- my heart became forged in IRON. I learned to walk tall, heart first and gaze steady. I learned to fight for what I believe in. I even strapped gloves on and really learned how to fight.
My deeply rooted self love and self care practice has allowed me to love others fiercely and openly, as love is infinitely sourced. It has also allowed me the strength to create boundaries in my life, that will not be crossed. I will love you HARD, should I choose to. I will fight by your side, should I believe in your cause. But I will not fall, should you try to push me.
I was forged in fire. I am a warrior. SO ARE YOU.
